lucy Extended Sizes: Behind the Collection

Activewear in sizes 1X-3X has earned a bad rap. Tee’s that get an F.
Leggings that roll down. Tanks that, well, tank. Our new extended
sizing of lucy performance favorites puts fit first. We sweated every
seam, cut and detail. It’s the end of fit fails! Read on as Stacey and
Ashley from lucy’s product team give a behind the scenes look at our
Extended Sizes collection.

What was the collective inspiration behind this line?

Stacey: We wanted to create great extended size activewear for one
reason: because no one else was. We learned that the extended size
landscape was missing good quality, well-fitting activewear that was
designed specifically for the active woman. Plenty of brands were
offering extended sizes, but there was a disappointing tradeoff women
were having to make between quality, fit, style and in-store
availability of clothes in their size. We knew we could do much better
and that these women who had been compromising for so long deserved
new, truly awesome options.

How did the design process begin?

Ashley: We started by getting smart. We wanted to learn everything
we could. We did market research, competitive shopping, and bench
marking against key retailers. We used our own technical expertise, as
well as diving in to take a close look at industry standards. One of
the most impactful pieces of learning we found came from asking real
women what they want and need. Their feedback and insights into
personal frustrations with product that’s already out there and what
they really wanted from us shaped everything that came after.

One of the most impactful pieces of learning we found came from
asking real women what they want and need.

What was your top priority when designing this new line?

Stacey: We found fit matters most. For extended sizes, fit comes
first, second and third. It was by far our main focus. We set out to
do fit the right way. Most brands out there simply size up their
“missy” base size. That means they take a size 8 or 10 and just grow
the whole piece up to a size 3x—their solve is to make the whole
garment larger. But they are leaving out a very important factor:
proportion. That’s why the racks are full of size 22 t-shirts with
ridiculously huge neck holes, or sad looking droopy sleeves. We knew
the women we were creating for have different proportions of a size 8
woman. At lucy, we started with a fit model who wears a size 2X. That
changed everything. By ensuring the proportions and cut lines were
appropriately placed, we were able to make a garment that not only
looks great, but moves with her throughout her activity.

For extended sizes, fit comes first, second and third.

What pieces are you launching in your Extended Sizes collection?

Ashley: We’re launching with an edited assortment because it’s
really important to us to get this right. We’re introducing some of
our performance favorites first. By keeping our initial launch really
focused, we can go to market, get feedback and insight into what she
loves and what she still craves, and then make all the adjustments we
want before expanding our offerings for future seasons.

What are your favorite pieces from the collection?

Stacey: Is it okay to say all of it? We’re definitely excited about
offering the fan favorite Studio Hatha Legging in an assortment of
colors and the much loved Fitness Fix Tank with built-in support,
great cross-back straps and a back zip pocket to store gym keys or
other essentials. We know she loves how these pieces perform and are
fit to flatter. We’re also excited to offer her our Yoga Girl
Sleeveless and some woven bottoms like the Get Going Pant and Capri.
These are all top performance pieces that look as good as they feel
plus they’ve been meticulously fit for extended sizes.

Great pieces are here, make room in your closet! Shop the Extended
Sizes collection here.